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Bill

SB 115

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner - Disclosure of Autopsy Information and Maintenance of Investigative Database

2025 Regular Session

Maryland bill requiring Chief Medical Examiner to establish autopsy disclosure rules and maintain investigative databases with enhanced transparency and record-keeping standards.

Hearing 1/16 at 3:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 115

Legislative bill overview

SB 115 would establish new requirements for the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner regarding the disclosure of autopsy information and the maintenance of investigative databases. The bill appears to address transparency and record-keeping standards for medical examiner investigations, though specific provisions require review of the full text.

Why is this important

Medical examiner data directly affects families seeking answers about deaths, law enforcement investigations, public health surveillance, and potential civil litigation. Clear disclosure rules and systematic database maintenance can improve government accountability while balancing privacy concerns and ongoing investigation sensitivities.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. Transparency: Balancing the public's right to autopsy information against families' privacy interests and the sensitivity of death investigation details
  • Investigation Interference: Determining what information can be disclosed without compromising active criminal investigations or future prosecutions
  • Database Access and Security: Defining who has access to investigative databases, what data is retained, how long records are maintained, and cybersecurity standards for sensitive health information

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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